President Donald Trump announced plans to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House grounds in 2026 as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday. The UFC has confirmed discussions with the White House about the unprecedented event.
Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Thursday, July 3, Trump outlined his vision for the historic event. He indicated the fight would be a championship bout held in front of 20,000 to 25,000 spectators. Trump emphasized that “we have a lot of land there” when discussing the White House grounds as a venue.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s commitment to the plan, stating he was “dead serious” about hosting the event. The announcement comes as part of broader America 250 celebrations, with Trump noting that national parks, battlefields and historic sites would host special events to honor the milestone.
The event represents the culmination of Trump’s longstanding relationship with UFC President Dana White, which dates back more than 20 years. Their partnership began in 2001 when Trump hosted a UFC fight at his Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during a period when White struggled to secure venues for events.
White has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s political career, endorsing his presidential campaigns and appearing at Republican National Conventions. The UFC executive introduced Trump at his 2024 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden and spoke at his election victory celebration, describing their 25-year friendship as mutually beneficial.
Trump has maintained regular attendance at UFC events, often appearing with high-profile entourages. His first public appearance after his 2024 hush money conviction was at a UFC event in Newark, New Jersey, where he entered through the fighters’ tunnel to an enthusiastic crowd reception. He attended another UFC event in November 2024 alongside Elon Musk and Kid Rock shortly after becoming president-elect.
The potential White House event has already generated significant interest from fighters and rival promotions. Former two-division champion Conor McGregor, who has not competed since July 2021, expressed interest in returning for the occasion. Recently retired heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool signaling his potential return, has also indicated his willingness to participate.
Internet personality and former kickboxing champion Andrew Tate publicly called for inclusion on the card, though his lack of recent competitive action and legal troubles may complicate any potential involvement. The 38-year-old faces ongoing human trafficking and rape charges in Romania and the United Kingdom.
The Professional Fighters League has attempted to capitalize on the announcement, with founder Donn Davis proposing a complementary PFL card featuring former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou. Davis suggested the PFL event could take place before the UFC card, creating an afternoon-evening doubleheader format.
Betting markets have already emerged around the potential event, with sportsbook BetOnline.ag creating proposition bets covering everything from main event participants to octagon location on the White House grounds. The South Lawn leads location betting at favorable odds, while indoor venues like the West Wing and East Wing are considered less likely options.
The connection between Trump and UFC extends beyond personal friendship to strategic political positioning. Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung previously served as UFC’s director of communications, bringing intimate knowledge of the combat sports world to the administration. Political analysts have noted Trump’s effective use of UFC events to reach voters who may not engage with traditional news media.
While no formal permits or detailed logistics have been announced, the National Park Service, which manages White House grounds, has not publicly commented on the proposal. The UFC indicated that more details would be released “in due time” as planning progresses.
The event would mark the first time a professional combat sports event has been held on White House grounds, representing an unprecedented fusion of politics and sports entertainment. Trump’s broader America 250 celebration plans include events at national parks and historic sites, with the UFC fight positioned as a centerpiece of the July 4, 2026 festivities.
